Sea cave adventures from Whitianga with more coastline, caves and marine life opportunities in one trip
Business Summary: Cave Cruzer is a Whitianga Wharf, Mercury Bay-based boat tour operator offering small-group Cathedral Cove and Coromandel coastline cruises and high-speed thrill rides, with optional snorkelling, serving visitors around the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand.
Cave Cruzer is a boat tour operator based at Whitianga Wharf, New Zealand, providing small-group scenic and thrill boat trips to Cathedral Cove and coastal sights around Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Hours of Operation
Seasonal Operation. Check online availability. Peak hours on the water, 7 Days 9:00am - 5:30pm
Whitianga | Hahei | Cathedral Cove | Cooks Beach | Hot Water Beach
Page: Sea Cave Adventures Whitianga | Guided Boat Tours Cathedral Cove - Last updated: 28th July, 2026
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About Cave Cruzer
The open boat design gives you clear views in every direction, from volcanic cliffs and sea caves to the waters of the marine reserve. Tours usually follow the coastline from Whitianga past Cooks Beach to Cathedral Cove, stopping at coastal highlights best experienced from the water.
You may spot fish, seals, dolphins or even orca along the way, with access into smaller caves and blowholes whenever conditions allow. Passengers over 10kg can join the tour, with fitted lifejackets provided, and there is plenty of time to slow down for photos rather than rushing past the scenery.
What to Expect on Guided Boat Tours
Clear sightlines in every direction: the open boat design keeps the view unobstructed, whether you are watching volcanic cliffs, looking into a sea cave or scanning the waters of the marine reserve.
The usual route follows the coast from Whitianga past Cooks Beach to Cathedral Cove, with time spent at key points best seen from the water. Passengers over 10 kg can join the tour, with lifejackets provided and fitted for each person.
Fish are seen on every trip, while seals, dolphins or orca may appear when the timing is right. Access to smaller caves and blowholes depends on the conditions and the boat design, but the aim is always to get as close as is safely possible.
Time for photos is built into the ride, with the boat positioned to help you capture the moment rather than rushing past.
The usual route follows the coast from Whitianga past Cooks Beach to Cathedral Cove, with time spent at key points best seen from the water. Passengers over 10 kg can join the tour, with lifejackets provided and fitted for each person.
Fish are seen on every trip, while seals, dolphins or orca may appear when the timing is right. Access to smaller caves and blowholes depends on the conditions and the boat design, but the aim is always to get as close as is safely possible.
Time for photos is built into the ride, with the boat positioned to help you capture the moment rather than rushing past.
How Cave Cruzer was Re-invented
Cave Cruzer is run by Brian Evanson, who has spent decades on these waters and learnt the coastline by exploring it in all conditions. Holidaying in Hahei from 1986, Brian spent his time sailing, diving and power boating. Brian moved to Hahei in 2000 and continued exploring with friends, regularly asking him to show them the parts of the coast that never appear on postcards.
Brian purchased the Cave Cruzer business in 2019, bought and customised the current boat, and those early trips grew into what Cave Cruzer offers today: small groups, an open boat with all-round views and commentary that explains what you are seeing and why it looks the way it does.
Every trip is skippered by Brian, the owner, so each tour is consistent in how it is run and in how closely the boat can safely operate around rocks, caves and blowholes.
Extra caves and coastline stops
Caves, blowholes and coastline that larger boats often cannot enter, with extra stops added when conditions allow for a more immersive experience.
Owner-operated
Owner-operated and skippered by Brian, with decades of boating knowledge guiding the day’s route rather than a fixed script.
Unobstructed open boat views
Open boat design means no roof in the way and clear views into caves, along cliff lines and up through blowholes for everyone on board.